Decreased red blood cell count after Bordetella Vaccine in dogs

The FDA has received 62 reports of decreased red blood cell count in dogs after Bordetella Vaccine. That is 0.7% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.1% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

62Reports
90%Marked serious
11%Recovered
40%Died or euthanised
16 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
6 12%
1–2 days
6 12%
3–7 days
6 12%
1–4 weeks
17 33%
Over a month
16 31%

How the animals did

Recovered
6 9.7%
Recovered with lasting effects
1 1.6%
Still unwell when reported
17 27%
Died
11 18%
Euthanised
14 23%
Not known
13 21%

Problems reported at the same time

Liver problems
38 61%
Loss of appetite
36 58%
Lethargy
35 56%
Blood problems
34 55%
Vomiting
32 52%
Death
24 39%
Kidney problems
24 39%
Low platelet count
19 31%

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
14
1–3 years
15
4–7 years
17
8–11 years
9
12+ years
7

About this medicine

Type: vaccine.

Mild, short-lived lethargy, soreness or a small lump at the injection site are the most commonly reported vaccine reactions.

Questions owners ask

Can Bordetella Vaccine cause decreased red blood cell count in dogs?
62 reports link the two, but a report alone does not prove the medicine was the cause: other illnesses, other medicines or coincidence can be involved. Your vet can judge it for your animal.
How soon after a dose was it reported?
In half of the reports with dates, it started within 16 days of the first dose.
What should I do?
Don't give another dose until you've spoken to your vet, and keep the packaging so you can tell them the product and dose. Your vet can also report it to the FDA (or you can, through the manufacturer or FDA form 1932a).

Decreased red blood cell count with similar medicines

All reported side effects of Bordetella Vaccine in dogs · Medicines most reported with decreased red blood cell count